N O V E M B E R 2020
contents Chairman’s Column page 2 Business of the Year Awards pages 2-3 Meetings & Events page 4 Small Business of the Month page 7 Member Announcements page 10 Ribbon Cuttings page 12 HALLmark 2020-2025 page 14 Chamber Chase 5K Highlights page 15
save the date
Congratulations 2019-2020 Business Award Recipients Distinguished Citizen Award: Jim Walters
Jim Walters, President & CEO of Walters Management, has received over 20 awards for service to our community and the state. He's the first recipient of the Philanthropist of the Year Award given by the Northeast Georgia Community Foundation, and the Chamber recognizes him this year with the Distinguished Service Award for his generosity of time, resources and “heart” in helping numerous organizations and individuals in the community. Jim has generously supported many local capital campaigns over the years, including Northeast Georgia Health System, YMCA, Lakeview Academy, and most recently, Lanier Technical College. "Big Jim" has made such an impact on our business community. And, his mantra says it best – "Only in America, What a Country!"
Community Service: Healthcare Community In our everyday lives and especially as we navigate through unprecedented times in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chamber takes this award opportunity to recognize the work and diligence of the Gainesville-Hall County HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY. All of our partners in healthcare are dedicated, day in and day out, to improving the health and quality of life of the people of Gainesville and Hall County. They show teamwork and tenacity through challenges and continue to provide excellent care and access to all. Think of ALL those involved in meeting and exceeding the healthcare needs of our community. From our first responders, nurses and technicians working the front line with patients to our dedicated physicians. The list goes on with each person working in tandem with them: housekeeping, social workers, receptionists, volunteers…and the amazing leadership that guides it all. To the over 14,000 individuals working in Gainesville-Hall County's healthcare industry, we thank you! See clips of some of our local hero's acceptance of the award at GHCC.com
South Hall Business Coalition Via Zoom
Tuesday, November 10
Small Business Seminar Via Zoom
Wednesday, November 18
Industry Awards Luncheon Lanier Tech (In Person & Virtual)
Tune in via Zoom on Thursday, November 5 (12 Noon) for all the latest info on hALL IN and how you can take the hALL IN Pledge AND win a Southern Baked Pie. We're giving away 25 pies to those who tune in! Register for the hALL IN Update at GHCC.com/events See more on hALL IN on page 14.
featured member
Thursday, November 5
Small Business of the Year
2 Dog Restaurant Occasions Florist
Family Business of the Year
The Collegiate Grill Tipton Construction
Community Service Award
Healthcare Community
Distinguished Citizen Award
Jim Walters
WG Mealor Chairman’s Award
Greater Hall Chamber Staff – Silver Shovel Awards –
Richie Aitkin | American Family Insurance Missy Burgess | Lanier Islands Gerald Couch | Hall County Sheriff’s Department Sean Couch | Northeast Georgia Health System Allyson Everett | Gainesville Flooring Emma Johnson | Senator Butch Miller's Office Jay Kilroy | Willis Investment Counsel Kelly Lee | Strong Gaddy Lee Wealth Management Jay Parrish | Gainesville City Police Department Rena Pendley | American Cancer Society Jeff Pruitt | Lanier Technical College Stacey Reece | Spherion Staffing Brian Rochester | Rochester & Associates Vanesa Sarazua | Hispanic Alliance GA Philip Wilheit, Jr. | Wilheit Packaging Mike Zeiler | Bitzer US